Best Decking Buying Guide

If you’re OK with a limited palette of colors; a simple, repetitive grain pattern; and a smooth or combed finish, you’ll find plenty of low maintenance, lower-cost products that meet your needs. Composite lumber decking usually comes in 12-, 16- and 20-ft. Composite decking manufacturers have also found ways to offer more cost-competitive options, such as Trex’s new lower-cost board, to fit a wider range of budgets. Now, it’s possible for a homeowner or commercial contractor to build with composite decking materials and realize the same long-term benefits without breaking the bank. Today’s composite materials perform better than the original versions, which were more prone to damage from exposure to the elements, and could also be easily scarred from wear and tear. But thanks to new formulations and additions – such as special capstock protecting the board – composite materials are now many times more resilient.

Appearance Of Real Wood Vs Composite Decking

The inventors took plastic that would otherwise have gone to landfills and used it to make a composite decking board that could withstand the elements much longer than wood decks. Since then, that basic Trex deck board has undergone many upgrades and as the technology improved, so did the product offerings.

Repair Or Replace: Is It Time For A New Deck?

Composite decking is readily available at big box home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as local lumberyards throughout the U.S. As you plan your dream deck, one of the key choices you face is what type of decking to use.

Engineering Whats Next In Outdoor Living®

He showed us their warehouse organization, cut us samples for decking and railing, discussed delivery options and made us very much at home. He even removed samples stored on the roof to demonstrate fading potential since we initially favored grey decking. We were so impressed with our hour+ visit, we knew when we left that if the price was reasonable, the Depot would be our choice of vendors. Subsequent phone conversations on pricing and delivery with Sam’s father Eric made us even more confident in our vendor. Within two weeks, we had selected our species of hardwood, received very professional and well documented quotes and installation instructions, and had our materials on site to begin the project. Our primary objective was a deck that would require minimum maintenance and be as durable as possible, and affordable. We had settled on the most popular composite decking, despite the extravagant cost of materials.

You don’t need special tools to install composite decking, but you do need standard woodworking tools for cutting and building. Since composite decking materials cut just like wood, you can use a circular saw or a miter saw for installation. This type of decking also accepts nails and screws like real wood. Regularly clear off any debris like leaves, dirt, and dust.

• Choose from natural looking wood colors like teak and walnut, or go with a stained gray or silver look.
• Composite decking comes in wide variety of colors, textures, and wood grain looks, so homeowners can find the right product for just about any decking project.
• Grooved and smooth boards are also available, as are a variety of reversible options that feature a simple brushed texture on one side and a realistic wood grain texture on the other.
• Manufactured or composite decking has come light years since the gray, one-dimensional boards of the ’80s.
• Composite and PVC decking are popular because they’re virtually maintenance free.

Other products include railing and fencing components, fasteners, and composite cladding/fascia boards. Trex decking is a compression-molded product, sometimes with an added extruded outer shell. The planks are solid material, and are normally finished with end caps or trim boards covering the ends.

Precast boards and color options ensure a strong surface that looks as trendy as wood without the work. Often used near swimming pools and lakes, aluminum decking is a long-lasting and low-maintenance material. Most options feature a baked-on, powder-coated, or anodized finish that stands up to harsh weather conditions.

Naturally Superior: Redwood And Cedar

They entered the composite decking market in 1997, also with only one decking board in one color. But growth and innovation have allowed Timbertech to become a leader in composite railing systems. Early in the industry’s development, white PVC railing was the only color option available. TimberTech’s award-winning rail line was the first to include black as an option and now includes a wide range of browns and grays. TimberTech is now part of CPG building products which also owns Azek. Composite decking and its close cousin, PVC decking, represent the fastest-growing decking materials sold today.

Decking

Whats The Difference Between Hollow And Solid Core Boards?

If you’ve decided that composite wood decking is the best option for your needs, look to the innovative solutions at NewTechWood. NewTechWood offers cutting-edge composite materials and kits for any homeowner looking to install a new deck. We offer the best in polymer-capped composites, available in multiple colors and custom board lengths to provide you with natural-looking and beautiful options. For your peace of mind and to show our confidence in our products, we also offer a 25-year limited warranty.